Fool and his money.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.

[Keefelane66]

We distinctly remember when installed 2 options one time purchase or monthly option was offered. We chose the one time option.

[retiredguy123]

Why not just remove it and save even more money? I have not paid anything for surge "protection" for the past 6 years.

[Dusty_Star]

Do you get a new surge mitigator for your $350, or do you get to give them $350 for the one you've had for six years?

Once you buy it, does it have to get periodically replaced?

[Stu from NYC]

We purchased it just after we moved in.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Do you get a new surge mitigator for your $350, or do you get to give them $350 for the one you've had for six years?

Once you buy it, does it have to get periodically replaced?
Great question.
I would buy the old one and they give me a 15 year warranty on it.
I guess it's kinda like a fuse, where it blows if I'm hit with a powerful surge.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

We purchased it just after we moved in.
Smart move.
I was just so busy moving, I just wanted the power on.
That's my excuse
sad

[JohnN]

Yep, you're the only one

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Yep, you're the only one
You say the nicest things

[JohnN]

You say the nicest things

Well, I apologize, but you asked, eh? Surge protection is akin to appliance warranty, likely you'll not ever need it and won't collect if you do. I don't know anyone who has benefitted from this SECO deal.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Well, I apologize, but you asked, eh? Surge protection is akin to appliance warranty, likely you'll not ever need it and won't collect if you do. I don't know anyone who has benefitted from this SECO deal.

Just expand your options....Best Buy?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Before moving to TV, I lived in the Ocala national forest. I got surge hit's twice a year. Bought a new phone set every year, if you had a hard sneeze the power went out.
Been here over 6 years and there's been 2 or 3 power outages total and those were not a very long duration.

[retiredguy123]

Do the math. $350 each for 80,000 houses is $28 million. That would buy a lot of appliances. And, note that appliances with a computer chip are not covered. In fact, the SECO warranty covers almost nothing. I would suggest reading the SECO warranty exclusion clause, if you want a good laugh.

[Dusty_Star]

Does anyone know the difference between the red & the green light on these devices? I see my neighbors have them, & some have a green light & some have a red light. (I don't have one, yet.)

[retiredguy123]

Does anyone know the difference between the red & the green light on these devices? I see my neighbors have them, & some have a green light & some have a red light. (I don't have one, yet.)
The red light indicates that the surge protector is on. The green light indicates the ground is on and is working.

[Dusty_Star]

The red light indicates that the surge protector is on. The green light indicates the ground is on and is working.

Thanks for the reply.

Clarification, does the red mean, service is needed to ground the device? Or does green mean the surge protector is not on?

[retiredguy123]

Thanks for the reply.

Clarification, does the red mean, service is needed to ground the device? Or does green mean the surge protector is not on?
The red light means that the surge protector is on, but, if the green light is not on, it means that the surge protector is not connected to a properly grounded outlet, and the surge protector will not function properly. Both lights should be on.

[Pugchief]

You can buy one on Amazon for about $40. I'll bet you can find an electrician to install it for a lot less than $355.

[retiredguy123]

You can buy one on Amazon for about $40. I'll bet you can find an electrician to install it for a lot less than $355.
Maybe less, but not a lot less.

[Dusty_Star]

The red light means that the surge protector is on, but, if the green light is not on, it means that the surge protector is not connected to a properly grounded outlet, and the surge protector will not function properly. Both lights should be on.

Thank you!!!!

[Rwirish]

The option to purchase has always been available.

[asianthree]

When our pool was installed electrician had a yes/no offer install for surge protector. Cost was $305 at build.

If we need warranty service on equipment second question is do you have a surge protector?

[FredMitchell]

... I don't know anyone who has benefitted from this SECO deal.

A nice example of the hasty generalization fallacy. What's worse is, you might even know someone who had the breaker trip and reset it. If he didn't mention it to you, or if you forgot, you actually did know someone who needed it.

Absence of Evidence does not mean Evidence of Absence.

Just because you don't know of an example in your limited experience does not mean that it is even uncommon.

My brother's life was saved by wearing seatbelts. They save many lives. But probably lots of people don't personally know someone who is alive because of wearing one.

[Altavia]

Does anyone know the difference between the red & the green light on these devices? I see my neighbors have them, & some have a green light & some have a red light. (I don't have one, yet.)

Diagnostic LED’s: Green indicates surge protection is active, Red indicates protection is no longer active

[Altavia]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/secos-surge-mitigator-worthwhile-342833/

Payback is close to 5 years. If there is a power surge, they replace it at no cost.

What are you going to do with the 20 cents a day you save starting five years from now?

And, $500 invested with 5% annual interest have grown to $638.
You will have earned $138 in interest which will pay two more years monthly fees.

[retiredguy123]

Diagnostic LED’s: Green indicates surge protection is active, Red indicates protection is no longer active
Apparently, it depends on the type of surge protector you have.

[retiredguy123]

considering your statement. YES. I'm more amazed you've waster hundreds yet you are going ot spend hundreds to BUY something that is useless.....amazing
I agree. I have a problem with a company that spends millions of dollars to design and build an electrical distribution system, and then asks their customers to pay an extra $5.95 per month for a cheap device to attach to the meter that they say is needed to protect your appliances. If the device is important, why don't they just incorporate it into the meter in the first place? It sounds like a scam to me.

[gorillarick]

So for $5.95 a month, you are also getting insurance and a warranty for the device.

Yes, you can buy a surge protector and have it added to your box. But it has a warranty, and no longer insurance for your devices after expiration.

That's the route I went before moving here. I installed myself. If you have to pay an electrician, you've blown years of $5.95 per month coverage.

From SECO website: Surge MitiGator – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/surge-mitigator/) CLICK "warranty"
"MTI’s liability, per occurrence, will not exceed $5,000 to any one (1) specific
device or appliance with a maximum of $500,000 over the life of this warranty.
Upon evaluation, you will be notified of the status of your warranty assessment.
If it is determined that you are entitled to compensation, you will be given either
the fair market value of the damaged equipment immediately preceding the
failure, reimbursed for reasonably incurred repairs, or paid the cost of
reasonable estimated repairs, at the discretion of MTI, up to the cap set forth
above. Determination of fair market value will be at MTI’s sole discretion."

[retiredguy123]

So for $5.95 a month, you are also getting insurance and a warranty for the device.

Yes, you can buy a surge protector and have it added to your box. But it has a warranty, and no longer insurance for your devices after expiration.

That's the route I went before moving here. I installed myself. If you have to pay an electrician, you've blown years of $5.95 per month coverage.

From SECO website: Surge MitiGator – SECO Energy (https://secoenergy.com/surge-mitigator/) CLICK "warranty"
"MTI’s liability, per occurrence, will not exceed $5,000 to any one (1) specific
device or appliance with a maximum of $500,000 over the life of this warranty.
Upon evaluation, you will be notified of the status of your warranty assessment.
If it is determined that you are entitled to compensation, you will be given either
the fair market value of the damaged equipment immediately preceding the
failure, reimbursed for reasonably incurred repairs, or paid the cost of
reasonable estimated repairs, at the discretion of MTI, up to the cap set forth
above. Determination of fair market value will be at MTI’s sole discretion."
Did you read the "exclusions" clause in the warranty/insurance? Almost everything you own is excluded from coverage. For example, it doesn't even cover a damaged wall outlet, or any appliance with a computer chip. What appliance doesn't use a computer chip?

[Andyb]

Buy it from an electrician and get a better unit at a lower price.

[MidWestIA]

I'd maybe have it in Texas land of BIG lightning and hail

[Bill14564]

Apparently, it depends on the type of surge protector you have.

I submitted a question about this today. In an automated "thank you for your question" response there was a link to a FAQ (https://secoenergy.com/faq/#solar) that contained this entry:
How do I know the Surge MitiGator™ is working?

The Surge MitiGator™ is equipped with two red lights that stay on continuously. This indicates the arrester is working properly.

I expect I will get a personal, non-automated response also, but this answered the question.

[Bill Dozer]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.

Ask what the lease or purchase will protect. It seems to me that any appliance or device with a motherboard is not covered. Probably, just your toaster.

[retiredguy123]

I submitted a question about this today. In an automated "thank you for your question" response there was a link to a FAQ (https://secoenergy.com/faq/#solar) that contained this entry:
How do I know the Surge MitiGator™ is working?

The Surge MitiGator™ is equipped with two red lights that stay on continuously. This indicates the arrester is working properly.

I expect I will get a personal, non-automated response also, but this answered the question.
Thanks, but the poster who asked the question (Post No. 14), said that some of his neighbors have a red light and some have a green light, not two lights. Also, it doesn't sound logical that a green light would indicate a malfunction. A lot of people in The Villages do not get their electricity from SECO, so perhaps this is a different model surge protector?

[Proveone]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.
When you agreed to have the surge protector installed, the SECO rep should have told you the options to rent or buy. I believe, if you buy, you will need to replace in ten years. Not sure, if you rent, the replacement in ten years, is covered with the rental fee. If you rent, there is an installation fee but if you buy there is no install fee.

[retiredguy123]

Ask what the lease or purchase will protect. It seems to me that any appliance or device with a motherboard is not covered. Probably, just your toaster.
I wouldn't ask. Just go to the SECO website and read the warranty yourself, especially the exclusion clause. You will discover that almost nothing in your house is covered by the warranty.

[Bill14564]

Thanks, but the poster who asked the question (Post No. 14), said that some of his neighbors have a red light and some have a green light, not two lights. Also, it doesn't sound logical that a green light would indicate a malfunction. A lot of people in The Villages do not get their electricity from SECO, so perhaps this is a different model surge protector?

Yes, you're right, it is likely those are different protectors. When the SECO person called back she mentioned that I had a 200A service which makes me think there might be a different protector for a larger service. SECO vice Leesburg electric, 200A vice larger service, utility installed vice Amazon purchase.... all could explain why the lights might be different.

It doesn't sound logical that a green light would indicate a malfunction. A light that is off when it should be on makes sense (I should have two lights on). A light that is red when it should be green makes sense. But turning a red light to green as an indication of a malfunction isn't logical. It probably would cut down on trouble calls though: "the light is green so it must be good."

[main12use]

I had a lighting strike that fried my furnace in the garage. This was determined by my insurance company that paid my claim. I called regarding my surge protector and after they inspected it they determined it wasn't lightning and that the surge protector was working perfectly. No more surge protector for me. A waste of money.

[rsmurano]

It’s cheap insurance. I knew somebody that had to replace their newer smart appliances a couple of times within a couple of years because of power surges. We all have expensive items plugged in and any help in surges is cheap insurance.
In the long run, you might save a couple of dollars buying the surge device yourself, but do you get the insurance, do you get free support meaning if a surge breaks the surge protector, you have to pay if you own it, I call the utility to replace it for free.

[maggie1]

A nice example of the hasty generalization fallacy. What's worse is, you might even know someone who had the breaker trip and reset it. If he didn't mention it to you, or if you forgot, you actually did know someone who needed it.

Absence of Evidence does not mean Evidence of Absence.

Just because you don't know of an example in your limited experience does not mean that it is even uncommon.

My brother's life was saved by wearing seatbelts. They save many lives. But probably lots of people don't personally know someone who is alive because of wearing one.

I beg to differ. I was a state trooper in Ohio, and for several years the Highway Patrol awarded "Saved by the Belt" certificates to crash victims who suffered less or no injuries from the collisions, while others without the belt were killed or severely injured. In my 27-year career with the organization, I knew of many people who were alive because they wore safety restraints.

[Altavia]

Yes, you're right, it is likely those are different protectors. When the SECO person called back she mentioned that I had a 200A service which makes me think there might be a different protector for a larger service. SECO vice Leesburg electric, 200A vice larger service, utility installed vice Amazon purchase.... all could explain why the lights might be different.

It doesn't sound logical that a green light would indicate a malfunction. A light that is off when it should be on makes sense (I should have two lights on). A light that is red when it should be green makes sense. But turning a red light to green as an indication of a malfunction isn't logical. It probably would cut down on trouble calls though: "the light is green so it must be good."

The current spec sheet says green but older may be red.

There is a label that says:

"IF ONE OR MORE LIGHTS ARE OUT-UNIT MUST BE SERVICED."

[AZ SLIM]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.

I was interested in protection from a nearby lightning strike, not the little surges that we experience all the time. I was considering SECO. I found the following.

1) I read several articles and was told by an electrician that whole house surge protectors (type 1) may protect appliances, AC etc. but not things like computers and TVs. (not sure why, but a lot of sources say this).

2) You need a type 2 protector, something like a power strip surge protector for computers, tvs, etc. Should have a rating of 1000 joules or more, or so I read.

2) I stopped by my home insurance office, State Farm, and they said that they cover such damage to appliances etc subject to my deductible.

3) I decided against the type 1 device, but installed type 2 devices for computers, cell phones etc. I installed a protector with a battery back-up for my internet modem and router so we can have internet for some time if the power goes out (assuming a lightning event doesn't take out Xfinity.)

I am no expert and don't play one on TV, this is just what I could find asking around and reading several articles.

[Carlsondm]

We bought the surge protector outright from SECO for $350. Looking back, we could have saved by shopping around. We knew how they worked from Rving days. Definitely get surge protection on your main appliances. Warrantees may require it. If you get hit, usually you just replace a surge protector board for about $100 and you are up and running.

Florida has a lot of lightening storms and these devices protect your large appliances. We have additional surge protectors (high joule) on computers, laser printers, and induction cook surfaces. After you have been here a while and experience the storms, you can get a better feel for the risks in this state.

[jrref]

I'm one of the engineers in the Villages Lightning Study Group headed by Len Hathaway. We give presentations on Lightning protection and surge protection to many groups frequently in the Villages. If you have the time, it's well worth it to go to one of the presentations so you can make your own informed decision.

There were a lot of responses to the initial question. There are two parts to the answer. First there is protection from a direct lightning strike to your home and then there is protection from induced power surges into your home’s electrical system if lightning strikes nearby.

There is nothing that will 100% protect your home from a direct lightning strike. A lightning protection system (lightning rod system) will minimize and or may prevent damage and will significantly lessen the risk of your home burning to the ground from this type of weather event. Because of all the building in the Villages we hear more and more about homes being struck and burning to the ground over the past couple of years.

The other part concerns surge protection which is more common but less often reported. This more frequently happens when lightning strikes near your home. When this occurs your home may get hit by an "induced“ surge which frequently trips circuit breakers, especially freezers and door openers in your garage but depending on the intensity can damage your HVAC system, inside and out, all your appliances, electronic equipment, pool and spa equipment, etc.. Surge protection is a layered system. There is a surge protector you can purchase or rent from your electric company mounted on the electrical meter as discussed here in this thread, which will protect you against surges coming in from the power lines. This happens statistically 20% of the time. Everyone is correct, the electric company has a sophisticated surge and grounding system to protect from this type of event and because most power surges don't come into your home from the utility, many who have this device still report surge damage in their home and the surge protector at the meter shows no sign of a surge. In addition to the surge protector at your electrical meter you can install what is called a "whole house surge protector". There are many but the Eaton Ultra is one of the more affordable and effective ones that's commonly installed by most electrical companies such as Pikes and Lenhart. This surge protector is mounted at your electrical circuit breaker box. Because it’s located at the breaker box the other 80% of the power surges you can get such as at the outside HVAC unit, pool, spa, outside lighting, etc., will be shunted by this device at the circuit breaker box and reduce and or eliminate the surge from spreading to the rest of the circuits in your home. Because surges are so fast, the surge protector has to be as close to the source as possible to be effective. The surge protector mounted on the electrical meter can help, but it's not designed to shunt these other types of induced surges. Its sole purpose is to reduce large surges coming from the power lines or surges induced into the power lines coming to your home so the rest of the surge protectors in your home can handle the level of the surge that remains. It can also shunt power surges originating from the rest of your electrical system but not to a low enough level for total protection. This is why their warranty doesn't cover any device with an electronic board. The "whole house" surge protector mounted in your circuit breaker box will protect your appliances, washer dryer and all other devices that are hard wired such as the HVAC air handler and your electric hot water heater because it's designed to shunt surges to either eliminate them or shunt them to a low enough level that your devices or other surge protection can handle the surge. The final protection are the surge protection power strips, plug-in or point of use surge protectors which you install at your TVs, computers and any other sensitive electrical equipment. These devices will shunt and protect your equipment form any remaining surges that get through your meter or whole house surge protector. If you want to go further you can install point of use surge protector outlets or plug-in protectors for your microwave, dishwasher, garage door openers, etc. and or hard-wired surge protectors at you outside HVAC unit, pool and spa equipment.

To summarize, Surge Protection is a layered system. You want to install surge protectors to reduce and or eliminate the power surge so by the time an initally large surge reaches your home devices it's small enough for the point of use surge protector to handle it. Damage from power surges is covered in your homeowner’s insurance but you still have to pay the deductible and deal with replacing all the damaged devices. We live in the lightning capital of the USA so investing in surge protection is probably a wise investment but like insurance, it depends on your tolerance to risk. I can tell you personally, there are many homeowners who experience an induced power surge from lightning strikes and loose all their electronic devices and never talk about it meaning it happens more frequently here in the Villages than you would expect. Most of us have at least $1,000 deductible on our homeowner’s insurance which more than pays for the surge protection I discussed here in this response. At the end of the day, you need to look at what it will cost to install a surge protection system, at a minimum installing something like the Eaton surge protector in your circuit breaker panel and point of use surge protectors at your TV, computer and other sensitive devices, vs your tolerance for risk. Remember, even though your insurance will cover devices destroyed by power surges in your home, you will have the inconvenience of dealing with the insurance company, having to replace everything that was destroyed and probably get an increase in your insurance premium at your next renewal.

I hope my response gives enough information so those reading can make an informed decision when it comes to lightning and surge protection.

[Dusty_Star]

I'm one of the engineers in the Villages Lightning Study Group headed by Len Hathaway. We give presentations on Lightning protection and surge protection to many groups frequently in the Villages. If you have the time, it's well worth it to go to one of the presentations so you can make your own informed decision.

....

I hope my response gives enough information so those reading can make an informed decision when it comes to lightning and surge protection.

Thank you JRRef,

Articulate, Helpful, & Informative as always.

[Altavia]

Thank you JRRef,

Articulate, Helpful, & Informative as always.

Agree, great synthesis.

The only thing I'd add is for homes with metallic gas lines in the attic, lightening suppression is more important due to the greater risk of fire induced be lightening.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

When you agreed to have the surge protector installed, the SECO rep should have told you the options to rent or buy. I believe, if you buy, you will need to replace in ten years. Not sure, if you rent, the replacement in ten years, is covered with the rental fee. If you rent, there is an installation fee but if you buy there is no install fee.
in my defense, the surge thing was on the meter when I bought the house (2017)
They let me know it. I just wanted the electric on and didn't care with all the chaos of moving in.

[Dusty_Star]

in my defense, the surge thing was on the meter when I bought the house (2017)
They let me know it. I just wanted the electric on and didn't care with all the chaos of moving in.


Also there have been many good points made in this discussion. Especially RSMurano's regarding leasing. Leasing the surge protector might cost a few extra bucks over the course of six years, but the insurance protection of the utility replacing it, when necessary, most likely makes it more than worthwhile. So, after reading every single post in this thread, I think you were smart to lease.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Also there have been many good points made in this discussion. Especially RSMurano's regarding leasing. Leasing the surge protector might cost a few extra bucks over the course of six years, but the insurance protection of the utility replacing it, when necessary, most likely makes it more than worthwhile. So, after reading every single post in this thread, I think you were smart to lease.
On the day of purchase, I would get a 15 year warranty.
That should cover the rest of my days.
So I believe I would get the coverage for 15 years

[JP]

Different companies surge protectors have different colored lights. Mine is red, my neighbors is green. I had a TV and several appliances blow out from electric surges from what I believe was lightening. I have had no issues since having surge protectors installed but I haven't seen electrical storms being as severe as in the past but I'm sure that can change...

[Laker]

A house on our street got struck by lightning a couple years ago. The whole house had to be re-wired, meaning removing sheetrock, etc.

[JRcorvette]

Am I the only SECO customer that pays $5.95 a month for a surge lease?
Which I've been doing for over six years.
I just called, and, Good News! I can simply buy the damn thing for $350 right now.
That stings, knowing I've waisted hundreds all ready.

You can install a better surge device in your panel breaker box for less money and it works better. Plus if you move you can take it with you.